BHA Small Game Records

Think bowhunting is just “deer hunting” ….Wrong!

There are lots of legal small game, non-game fish, and predators that are a lot of fun to hunt and require great skill to take with a bow. All of these require good tracking and hunting skills just like big-game hunting.

Small game and non-game hunting and fishing offer some of the best bow hunting experiences you can get. It is also a great way to teach young and new bow hunters the art of bow hunting. Something they can use the rest of their lives. There are many reasons to take on rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs and other small game species with a bow and arrow. The seasons are long (some year-round), the bag limits are liberal, and the places to hunt are more than you can possibly ever cover in a life time.

If you use your bow only for deer season then you are missing out on some of the most challenging and satisfying hunting that a bow hunter can experience.

Minimal equipment is typical and best for new hunters as well. Bow fishing offers excellent spring and summer fun, whether wading or out of the boat. Check out our Bow fishing Page under Resources Tab for more info on this exciting archery sport.

Also predator and varmint hunting has really become popular. Coyote populations are on the rise as well as many other species. Approach a farmer and ask permission to hunt predators on his property. He will probably be happy for the relief. I know the deer herds will improve with the reduction in coyotes. They really impact the fawn survival rates.

You may want to use a little different equipment from your big game equipment. Usually less poundage bows are better as well as using less-expensive arrows. You will definitely miss a lot more so bear that in mind. Judo points are great for some of the animals. Keep in mind the rules for Fair Chase still apply!

BHA use to keep track of these other legal game records in the early ’70s. Time to breathe life back into that program so BHA has decided to re-instate this program. The last record that BHA has on file was the records as of September 7, 1971. You can click on the State Records List button below and check them out. If you would like to submit an entry for one of the Eligible Species just click on the Record Application button below and print it and send it in.

Now you have another great reason to bow hunt for small game or fish. Put your name in the BHA record books using a bow and arrow. Sorry, guns, rocks, sticks, blowguns, boomerangs, etc. don’t count as weapons for the records. Good luck!!!